birdie5

Yeah, I think he's full of it. He told me that he had to put a new seal on it and then he tried to tell me there wasn't any rust on it?!?!?

Actually the quote I got from another mechanic to rebuild it was $400 less but the guy that replaced it had already torn it apart. Went back today, the brake shoes needed adjusting and they fixed the emergency brake, it's better now, he said I need to drive if for a few hours. Refused to give me the old rear end though said he had to return it to the place he got the new one because of a "core charge"? Tried to tell me you always have to return the old part, never heard of that. He said if I wanted it I had to pay $250 for it.

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and drove it tonight and a couple of times it rumbled, like when you hit those small speed bumps. I don't know, I'm taking it in and I'll see what happens. And I knew the rear end would be old that's why I wanted mine rebuilt. Hopefully he still has my old one and I can get it tomorrow.

Thanks. I am taking it back to them tomorrow. Does the appearance concern you? It looks all beat to hell. Will it hurt to drive it like this?

It is my truck! Doesn't feel like it's locking up, it just drags, if that makes any sense.

Like the break is on or something. I don't think the emergency brake is hooked up anymore either. And it's completely rusted where it connects to the wheel on both sides.

Sorry, I have no idea what a perch is or what I am supposed to measure. Do you mean where did he get the rear end he put in? Have no idea. Should I try to get the old one back and have it rebuilt? That's what i wanted and he insited on putting a new (used) one in. Doesn't it look a little beat up - the old one looks better to me.

This is before: This is after: It drags now too

I'm keeping her, I have too much money in her and I do like her. Anyway, what else is left to replace?? As far as the value goes I guess I assumed she'd be worth more than I paid for the engine I just put in her, I guess I thought at least 2,500. Apparently not, but that's OK. Found out she needs a new rear end. Anyone know where I can get a used one?

I know I overpaid for the work that has been done on it recently, I was in a one mechanic town and Betty was not running, I had little choice at the time. I appreciate everyone's help, and I don't doubt that I could figure out HOW to do the work myself but I'm a 115 lb woman with severe tennis elbow - I'm not going to be lifting any heavy objects. I don't think it's the right project for me. I'm not sure that I could even change one of the tires.

Yeah, maybe I should just keep her. I do like her, I just don't think I can do the work myself and I do not have a trustworthy mechanic here. I don't know....ugh Thanks for the help and info everyone

I'm in South GA now, was in NJ

She is a five speed. Well this is depressing - I have spent almost 5 on her!

I think you're right, I think it is a 6cyl because when I first got it I had a tune up and he told me it was only firing on five cylinders. I had to get it repaired the first day, sorry. Not sure why I thought it was a 4 cyl. What is a Dana 35??

There is no way I am selling her for 1,500. The new engine was 1,700. The hole in the pipe was fixed. She does not overheat now. Here is a picture of what I think the rear axle is.. http://lostabird.com/betty/betty008.png